Correct Phrasing in English: Keep on Doing vs. Keeping on Do

When it comes to phrasal verbs in English, keep on doing vs. keeping on do can often cause confusion. To understand which form is correct, we need to delve into the nuances of English grammar and syntax.

1. Understanding Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are combinations of words that act as a single verb with a unique meaning. They often consist of a main verb and one or more particles (usually prepositions or adverbs). In the case of keep on doing, the phrase comprises the main verb keep and the particle on, followed by the gerund doing (the -ing form of the verb).

In contrast, keeping on do uses the gerund keeping followed by the base form do. This is incorrect because the gerund -ing form of keep is keeping, not keep.

2. The Correct Form: Keep on Doing

The correct form is keep on doing. Let's break it down:

Keep: This is the main verb, indicating the action of continuing to do something.

On: This serves to connect the verb with the gerund doing.

Doing: This is the gerund, the -ing form of the verb, and acts as the object of the phrase.

Here are some examples of keep on doing in sentences:

She keeps on doing her homework despite the late hour. Please keep on doing your best in every project. Don't stop; keep on doing what you're doing.

3. Common Misunderstandings and Corrections

Many native speakers and learners might mistakenly use keeping on do, which is incorrect. This confusion arises from the fact that in other phrasal verbs, such as keep on doing something, the addition of action can sometimes appear to require an altered verb form. However, in this case, keep on doing is the correct and most natural form.

4. Additional Phrasal Verbs Similar to Keep on Doing

Understanding keep on doing can also help with other similar phrasal verbs. Here are a few examples:

keep on trying:
She keeps on trying to solve the puzzle, even when it gets frustrating. keep on going:
You need to keep on going, no matter the obstacles. keep on learning:
Never stop learning; keep on learning new things every day.

5. Why Correct Phrasing Matters

Using the correct phrasal verb can enhance both clarity and fluency in communication. It is important to understand and use these forms correctly, as they contribute to the richness and texture of the English language.

Conclusion

In summary, the correct form of the phrase is keep on doing. The incorrect form, keeping on do, disregards the grammatical rules governing gerunds and the usage of phrasal verbs. By understanding and using the correct form, one can effectively communicate and convey messages in English.

If you have any further questions or need more examples, feel free to ask for clarification.